Summer Research Internship Program

Westlake University is a new type of high-quality research-oriented university based in the historic Chinese city of Hangzhou - a stunning city well-known throughout Asia for its long history, rich culture, fine arts, and beautiful scenery. Our university was founded by prominent globally respected scientists and scholars. We are quickly becoming a leading university for science, engineering, and innovation. At Westlake, we emphasize academic freedom, research excellence, interdisciplinary engagement, and international collaboration. We are committed to building a truly international, world-class, research-oriented university.

The non-degree Summer Research Internship at Westlake University is a 4 to 6 weeks long program for international students, taught in English.

Westlake University’s Summer Research Internship is a highly competitive six-week program that is open to international students who are currently completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, as well as those who have recently graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Research internships are available in Westlake’s School of Science, School of Engineering, School of Life Sciences, and School of Medicine. Each internship is a unique, hands-on laboratory or theoretical research project tailored to current research being conducted within Westlake University’s laboratories. Each of these experiential learning opportunities are designed to hone research skills and prepare participants for advanced academic and professional pursuits. Interns also participate in research forums, interdisciplinary roundtable discussions, and cultural activities at Westlake University or in the surrounding Hangzhou area. 

Program Information:

• The Summer Research Internship is a 4-to-6-week program that lasts from mid-July to mid-August 2025. 
• Interns who are accepted into the program will have the chance to work directly with Westlake’s well-known faculty on doctoral-level research.
• Internships are available for approximately 100 different research projects located in 60 to 70 different world-class laboratories or research centers.
• Internship research areas are housed by the School of Science, the School of Engineering, the School of Life Sciences, and the School of Medicine.

Research topics in the program are wide ranging and applicants are encouraged to apply to research that closely aligns with their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Click on the link below for more information about the application process, each internship opportunity, research areas, and the faculty who are hosting the opportunity:

https://tinyurl.com/WestlakeInternship

Program Fees & Financial Assistance:

Westlake is committed to reducing financial barriers for their students and programs. The following Research Internship program costs have been reduced to ¥0 for the 2025 year:

• Application Fee = ¥0
• Program Fee = ¥0
• On-campus Housing = ¥0
• Westlake University provides a living allowance of 2,475 RMB for interns during the six-week program. 
• Interns are responsible for the costs of visas, health insurance, and travel to and from Westlake University.
• On-campus dining for 6-weeks is approximately ¥1,000RMB to ¥1,500RMB.

Westlake’s Summer Research Internship Focuses on Professional Development

Work with leading international researchers. Gain firsthand experience and exposure to the cutting-edge research being conducted at Westlake University.

• Gain valuable experience and skills in your chosen field. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, learn new interdisciplinary research techniques, and develop cutting-edge knowledge that is shaping the future of science and technology.
• Enhance your intercultural communication skills. Summer Research Internships are conducted completely in English. However, you will be joining an international campus and a diverse research laboratory at Westlake University. This intercultural experience provides a great environment to work on intercultural communication skills while doing research in China. In addition, at Westlake Chinese and English are both primary working languages. There will be opportunities to practice Chinese language skills on campus or while traveling to destinations in beautiful Hangzhou.
• Build professional networks and connections. Networking with other researchers and professionals in your field could lead to future research collaborations, career opportunities, or further academic pursuits.
• Improve future job and academic prospects. The Summer Research Internship program can enhance your resume and give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Join Inspiring People

At Westlake University, you will learn from and be mentored by their world-class faculty. Over 95% of our professors hail from top-notch universities including MIT, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Stanford. In addition, all our senior leadership have studied and/or held positions at distinguished institutions such as Princeton, Harvard, Yale, UPenn, UIUC, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden). You will work and collaborate with these brilliant scientists and engineers changing their world. You will also be surrounded by enthusiastic fellow students who seek challenges in academics, personal growth, and cultural adventures. At Westlake, you will make lifelong friends and connect with future leaders.

A Community for Future Leaders

Westlake University is an intimate, supportive, and diverse community. Different interests and causes are represented by multiple types of student groups, allowing individuals to explore, create, and lead in their own ways. We hope to facilitate an engaging, exciting, and inspiring student life experience for all.

Westlake University Campus

Our beautiful campus was designed by renowned German firm HENN GmbH and is one of the most sustainable and multi-functional campuses in the world. Our campus boasts 300 state-of-the-art independent laboratories, 13 innovation platforms, and six shared research facilities. Our main campus is in the heart of an expanding university town, between a major technology hub and ancient historical ruins, tea plantations, and Westlake UNESCO world heritage site.

"Go International, Go Abroad"

GO INTERNATIONAL

Westlake university’s goal is to recruit 50% domestic and 50% international students to all undergraduate programs to create a truly international study environment.

Our PhD programs recruit students from top global masters’ programs.

GO ABROAD

In addition to your international experience in China, all undergraduate students are required to spend a semester or full academic year at one of their 19 partner universities abroad. We have established study abroad programs with leading universities in North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia including UC Berkeley, Cornell University, University of Edinburgh, UC San Diego, Monash University, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and many more.

PhD students are encouraged to study in short-term programs abroad or to present their research at international academic research conferences and forums. There are ample funding opportunities for graduate international experiences.